Optical fiber distribution system

ABSTRACT

An optical fiber distribution system including a rack and elements which populate the rack including fiber terminations. Each element includes a chassis and a movable tray. The movable tray includes a synchronized movement device for moving a cable radius limiter. The tray includes cable terminations which extend in a line generally parallel to a direction of movement of the movable tray. Each of the cable terminations are mounted on hinged frame members positioned on each tray. The cables entering and exiting the movable tray follow a generally S-shaped pathway.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/942,085, filed on 29 Jul. 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/178,322, filed on 1 Nov. 2018, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,732,373, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/428,607, filed on 9 Feb. 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,126,515,which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/764,486,filed 29 Jul. 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,568,699, which is a NationalStage Application of PCT/EP2014/051714, filed 29 Jan. 2014, which claimsbenefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/758,266, filed 29 Jan. 2013,U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/798,256, filed 15 Mar. 2013, U.S.Provisional Ser. No. 61/815,500, filed 24 Apr. 2013, and U.S.Provisional Ser. No. 61/892,558, filed 18 Oct. 2013 and whichapplications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extentappropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosedapplications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optical fiber distribution system,including a rack, and elements which populate the rack, including fiberterminations, patching, fiber splitters, and fiber splices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical fiber distribution systems include fiber terminations and otherequipment which is typically rack mounted. Various concerns exist forthe optical fiber distribution systems, including density, ease of use,and cable management. There is a continuing need for improvements in theoptical fiber distribution area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One implementation of a system in accordance with the examples of thedisclosure includes a building block element mountable to a rack orother structure. The element includes a chassis and a movable tray. Thetray is movably mounted to the chassis with a slide mechanism thatallows the tray to slide relative to the chassis. The slide mechanismincludes a synchronized movement feature for managing the cablesextending to and from the tray, such that cable pull at the entry andexit locations is reduced or eliminated as the tray is moved.

One synchronized movement feature includes gears, including a rack andpinion system. Another synchronized movement feature includes wheels andwires.

The tray preferably includes mounting structures for holding cableterminations, splitters, and/or splices. One mounting structure includesan open shaped frame member for connector access. In one example, twoframe members are provided, one positioned over the other. For improvedaccess, the frame members are hingedly mounted to the tray. In atermination arrangement, the adapters are arranged so that the connectoraxes are horizontal and extend in a perpendicular direction to thedirection of travel for the tray.

Each frame member can be populated with adapter blocks. Pathways guidecables to the adapter ports of the adapter blocks for fiber optic cablesterminated with connectors to be received therein. The cables follow ageneral S-shaped pathway from a side of each element to the adapterblocks. The S-shaped pathway includes two levels inside of the tray tosegregate cables between the two frame members. Various flanges andradius limiters can be provided to assist with cable management.

The elements can be stacked in a column with each tray mountedhorizontally, or used in a group or block mounted vertically. In thecase of a column of elements, a selected tray is pulled outward toaccess the desired tray, and then the frame members on the tray can bepivoted as needed.

One side of each element can be for patch cables, and the opposite sidecan be for cable termination of an incoming cable, such as adistribution cable or a feeder cable. Because of the synchronizedmovement feature, cables can be secured along the sides of the elementsand still allow for sliding movement of the trays without a need forlarge amounts or any cable slack.

The tray and the frame members allow for easy top and bottom access toconnectors on either side of the adapters. Openings are provided in thetray bottom for hand access if desired.

The cable mounts for the distribution cables or feeder cables can besnap mounted to the elements and/or mounted in a longitudinal slidemount, and include strength member clamps and cable clamps.

Groupings of loose cables can be managed with cable wraps or other cableguides such as flexible troughs.

The elements can be configured as desired and form building blocks foran optical fiber distribution system (ODF).

When the elements are mounted in a column in a rack, the cables can beplaced in vertical cable guides to enter and exit the selected element.

The example rack is front accessible, however, the elements can be usedin other racks, frames, cabinets or boxes including in arrangementswhere rear access is desirable or useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiberdistribution element in accordance of aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the element of FIG. 1 showing the traypulled forward from the chassis;

FIG. 4 shows one of the tray frame members pivoted upwardly from thetray;

FIG. 5 shows a second frame member pivoted upwardly relative to thetray;

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a cable management area of the element of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 shows a similar view to FIG. 6, with one of the frame memberspivoted upwardly;

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an element with differentcable management at the entry points;

FIG. 9 shows three of the elements of FIG. 8 mounted in a blockformation, with cable radius limiters at the entry point mounted in analternative position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the block of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view of the block of FIG. 9, with the tray of the middleelement pulled forward for access to the fiber terminations;

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged portion of an entry point for one of theelements with a cable radius limiter in a first position;

FIG. 13 shows a similar view as in FIG. 12, with the cable radiuslimiter positioned in an alternate position;

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of a cable mount;

FIG. 15 shows an element with a cable mount on one side, and a cableradius limiter on an opposite side;

FIG. 16 shows an alternative cable mount;

FIGS. 17-29 show various views of the elements shown in FIGS. 1-16including additional details and cable routings shown for illustrationpurposes;

FIG. 30 shows an alternative embodiment of a block of two alternativeelements;

FIG. 31 shows a tray pulled forward from the chassis of one of theelements of the block of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 shows the tray extended forward as in the view of FIG. 31, withone of the frame members pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 33 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 32, with a second framemember pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 34 shows a block including two elements;

FIG. 35 shows an exploded view of the two elements of the block of FIG.34;

FIG. 36 shows a single element;

FIG. 37 shows an exploded view of the element of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 shows the element of FIG. 37, without the top cover;

FIG. 39 is a top view of the element of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is an alternative view of the element of FIG. 38, showingalternative devices at the cable entry points;

FIG. 41 is a top view of the element of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 shows an alternative embodiment of an element in a top view withan alternative synchronized movement feature;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the element of FIG. 42;

FIGS. 44 and 45 show movement of the various components of thesynchronized movement feature of FIGS. 42 and 43;

FIGS. 46 and 47 show an element with an alternative radius limiter atthe cable entry and exit locations;

FIGS. 48 and 49 show an element with alternative radius limiters on theslide mechanism;

FIG. 50 shows a pair of elements in a stacked configuration, theelements shown with another alternative radius limiter on the slidemechanism; and

FIG. 51 is a top view of one of the elements of FIG. 50 illustrating thealternative radius limiter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-16, various embodiments of an optical fiberdistribution element 10, or element 10, are shown. The elements 10 canbe individually mounted as desired to telecommunications equipmentincluding racks, frames, or cabinets. The elements 10 can be mounted ingroups or blocks 12 which forms a stacked arrangement. In oneembodiment, a vertical stack of elements 10 populates an optical fiberdistribution rack.

Each element 10 holds fiber terminations, or other fiber componentsincluding fiber splitters and/or fiber splices. In the case of fiberterminations, incoming cables are connected to outgoing cables throughconnectorized cable ends which are connected by adapters, as will bedescribed below.

Each element includes a chassis 20 and a movable tray 24. Tray 24 ismovable with a slide mechanism 30 including one or more gears 32 and aset of two toothed racks or linear members 34.

Slide mechanism 30 provides for synchronized movement for managing thecables extending to and from tray 24. Entry points 36 on either side ofchassis 20 allow for fixation of the input and output cables associatedwith each element 10. The radius limiters 38 associated with each slidemechanism 30 move in synchronized movement relative to chassis 20 andtray 24 to maintain fiber slack, without causing fibers to be bent,pinched, or pulled.

Each tray 24 includes mounting structure 50 defining one or more offiber terminations, fiber splitters, fiber splices, or other fibercomponents. As shown, mounting structure 50 holds adapters 52 whichallow for interconnection of two connectorized ends of cables. Each tray24 includes one or more frame members 56. In the example shown, twoframe members 56 are provided. As illustrated, each frame member 56 isT-shaped. Also, each tray 24 includes two frame members 56 which arehingedly mounted at hinges 58. A top frame member 62 is positioned abovea bottom frame member 64. The mounting structure 50 associated with eachframe member 62, 64 includes one or more integrally formed adapterblocks 70. Adapter blocks 70 include a plurality of adapter ports forinterconnecting to fiber optic connectors 72. A pathway 76 defines agenerally S-shape from radius limiters 38 to adapter blocks 70. Asshown, pathway 76 includes an upper level 78 and a lower level 80 in theinterior. A portion 84 of pathway 76 is positioned adjacent to hinges 58to avoid potentially damaging cable pull during pivoting movement offrame members 56. Flanges 86 and radius limiters 90 help maintain cables74 in pathways 76.

Tray 24 includes openings 96 to allow for technician access to the cableterminations at adapter blocks 70. In addition, the T-shapes of framemembers 56 further facilitate technician access to the connectors 72.

Cables 74 extending to and from element 10 can be affixed with a cablemount 100 as desired. Additional protection of the fiber breakouts canbe handled with cable wraps 102. Radius limiters 106 can be additionallyused to support and protect the cables 74.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-29, various examples of cable routings areillustrated for element 10.

If desired, more than one feeder cable can supply cabling to more thanone element 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-41, various additional embodiments of elements210 are shown. Element 210 includes a chassis 220 in a movable tray 224mounted with a slide mechanism 230 which promotes synchronized movementof radius limiters 238. Each tray 224 includes two hingedly mountedframe members 256. Each frame member 256 has a middle portion 260separated by openings 262 from side portions 264. Middle portion 260 canhold fiber terminations. Side portions 264 include radius limiters 270.Cover 266 goes over tray 224. Latches 268 latch tray 224 to cover 266 inthe closed position.

A pathway 276 extends from either side from tray 224 to supply cables toeach of trays 224. An upper level 278 and a lower level 280 supply therespective frame members 256 with cabling. A general S-shaped pathway276 is defined wherein the pathway 276 passes close to hinges 258.

A dovetail 288 is used to hold cable mounts 286 and radius limiters 284.

An opening 290 in tray 224 allows for connector access by thetechnician. Similarly, openings 262 on each frame member 256 allow fortechnician access to the individual connectors.

To form a block 292 of plural elements 210, bars 294 and fasteners 296are used. Bars 294 give a small spacing between each element 210.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-45, an alternative slide mechanism 330 isshown in alternative element 310. Slide mechanism 330 allows formovement of the trays and related radius limiters and synchronizedmovement similar to slide mechanism 30, 230. Alternative slide mechanism330 includes two wheels 332 and two wires 334, 336. The wheels 332 arelocated on second part 342. The wires are looped in opposite directionsand are connected to the first part 340 and the third part 344.

Referring now to FIGS. 46 and 47, an alternative radius limiter 420 isshown on alternative element 410. Radius limiter 420 includes frictionmembers 430 which limit the amount of sliding movement of cables passingthrough radius limiter 420, to assist with cable management. Frictionmembers 430 include flexible fingers which press lightly on the cablesin radius limiter 420 to reduce or eliminate sliding movement of thecables in the radius limiter 420.

Referring now to FIGS. 48 and 49, an alternative element 510 is shownwith a slide mechanism 530 which allows for synchronized movement ofradius limiters 538 for cable management. Radius limiters 538 are alsoprovided with a pivot feature to allow them to pivot rearwardly as thetray 524 is pulled out from chassis 520. Such rearward movement (pivot)allows for reduced pull on the cables, if pull is present, to allow thetray to be fully pulled out. Any angle can be provided. Fifteen degreesis one example angle.

Referring now to FIGS. 50 and 51, an alternative radius limiter 638 isshown on the slide mechanisms of alternative elements 610. Elements 610are generally similar in construction and function to those of theelements discussed previously. Radius limiter 638 defines a generallyU-shaped configuration that leads cables from and to the element 610while preserving minimum bend radius requirements.

The U-shaped radius limiter 638 defines an inner end 621 and an outerend 623 and a divider 625 extending from adjacent the inner end 621 toadjacent the outer end 623. According to one embodiment, the divider 625does not extend all the way to the inner and outer ends 621, 623 of theU-shaped radius limiter 638. The outer end 623 of the radius limiter 638cooperates with a cable guide 684 that is mounted to the chassis 620 ofthe element 610 for leading cables to and from the tray 624 of theelement 610.

The divider 625 of the radius limiter 638 forms two separate troughs627, 629 for the radius limiter 638. The two troughs 627, 629 isolateand separate the cables (e.g., coming in and going out) of the element610 into two distinct paths. According to one example cable routingconfiguration, the two troughs 627, 629 may guide the cables to theupper and lower levels 678, 680 defined toward the rear of the tray 624while maintaining the S-shaped pathway 676 created within the element610. The divider 625 of the radius limiter 638 includes a plurality ofcable management tabs 631 mounted thereon for retaining the cableswithin the troughs 627, 629. A similar tab 633 is also found at the rearof the tray 624 for retaining the cables that are being lead to theupper and lower levels 678, 680. The tabs 631 and 633 may be removable,snap-on structures.

The tabs 631 and 633 cooperate with additional cable management fingers635 defined both on the radius limiter 638 and toward the rear of thetray 624 in retaining the cables within the S-shaped pathway 676.

PARTS LIST

-   10 element-   12 block-   20 chassis-   24 tray-   30 slide mechanism-   32 gears-   34 rack-   36 entry points-   38 radius limiters-   50 mounting structure-   52 adapters-   56 T-shaped frame member-   58 hinge-   62 top frame member-   64 bottom frame member-   70 adapter blocks-   72 connectors-   74 cables-   76 pathway-   78 upper level-   80 lower level-   84 portion-   86 flanges-   90 radius limiters-   96 openings-   100 cable mount-   102 cable wrap-   106 radius limiters-   210 element-   220 chassis-   224 tray-   230 slide mechanism-   238 radius limiters-   256 frame members-   258 hinges-   260 middle portion-   262 openings-   264 side portions-   266 cover-   268 latches-   270 radius limiters-   276 pathway-   278 upper level-   280 lower level-   284 radius limiters-   286 cable mounts-   288 dovetail-   290 opening-   292 block-   294 bar-   296 fasteners-   310 element-   330 slide mechanism-   332 wheels-   334 wire-   336 wire-   340 first part-   342 second part-   344 third part-   410 element-   420 radius limiter-   430 friction members-   510 element-   520 chassis-   524 tray-   530 slide mechanism-   538 radius limiters-   610 element-   620 chassis-   621 inner end of radius limiter-   623 outer end of radius limiter-   624 tray-   625 divider-   627 trough-   629 trough-   631 cable management tab-   633 cable management tab-   635 cable management finger-   638 radius limiter-   676 pathway-   678 upper level-   680 lower level-   684 cable guide

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical fiber distribution rack comprising: aplurality of optical fiber distribution elements mounted in a stackedarrangement along a column to the optical fiber distribution rack, eachoptical fiber distribution element comprising: a chassis defining aninterior; a tray movable along a front-to-back direction relative to thechassis, wherein the tray is slidably movable from within the chassis toa position at least partially outside the chassis, the tray defining abottom wall; and a slide mechanism, which connects the movable tray tothe chassis, wherein the slide mechanism includes a radius limiter whichmoves with synchronized movement relative to the chassis and the trayduring slidable movement of the tray, wherein the entire radius limitermoves linearly along the front-to-back direction relative to both thechassis and the tray during slidable movement of the tray; — wherein thetray further includes an array of adapters that are stacked within thetray front to back along a line which is generally parallel to thedirection of travel of the movable tray; — wherein a cable entering orexiting the movable tray follows an S-shaped pathway as the cableextends from an exterior of the movable tray toward the movable radiuslimiter in a first direction, winds around the movable radius limiter ina second direction generally opposite the first direction, and is routedback within the tray in a third direction generally opposite the seconddirection, wherein the first, second, and third directions are generallyparallel to a direction taken along the front-to-back direction; whereinthe tray further includes at least one fixed radius limiter that ismolded integrally with the bottom wall of the tray, wherein the at leastone fixed radius limiter defines a curved surface for guiding the cableentering or exiting the movable tray between the array of adapters andmovable radius limiter of the slide mechanism.
 2. The optical fiberdistribution rack of claim 1, wherein the tray of each optical fiberdistribution element includes at least one hingedly mounted frame memberwhich hinges about an axis perpendicular to the direction of movement ofthe movable tray, wherein the array of adapters are provided on the atleast one hingedly mounted frame member.
 3. The optical fiberdistribution rack of claim 2, wherein the tray of each optical fiberdistribution element includes two frame members hingedly mounted forindependent movement and the S-shaped pathway includes an upper portionand a lower portion for leading to and from the two frame members. 4.The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe optical fiber distribution elements further comprises a cable mountalong a side of the chassis.
 5. The optical fiber distribution rack ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the optical fiber distribution elementsfurther comprises another non-movable cable radius limiter along a sideof the chassis.
 6. The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 3,wherein the movable radius limiter of the slide mechanism of eachoptical fiber distribution element defines a divider for separating andguiding cables to and/or from the upper portion and the lower portion ofthe S-shaped pathway.
 7. The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 1,wherein the tray of each optical fiber distribution element includes aplurality of fixed radius limiters that are molded integrally with thebottom wall of the tray, wherein each fixed radius limiter defines acurved surface for guiding a cable entering or exiting the movable traybetween the array of adapters and the movable radius limiter of theslide mechanism.
 8. The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 1,wherein the at least one fixed radius limiter of the tray of eachoptical fiber distribution element includes laterally extending flangesfor retaining cabling against the curved surface of the at least onefixed radius limiter.
 9. The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 7,wherein each of the plurality of fixed radius limiters of the tray ofeach optical fiber distribution element includes laterally extendingflanges for retaining cabling against the curved surfaces of the fixedradius limiters.
 10. The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 1,wherein the tray of each optical fiber distribution element defines apull handle at a front of the tray that is molded integrally with thetray for providing a grip surface to allow the tray to be slidablymoved.
 11. he optical fiber distribution rack of claim 10, wherein thetray of each optical fiber distribution element defines a pair of pullhandles that are molded integrally with the tray for providing gripsurfaces, wherein the pull handles are provided at a front of the trayon right and left sides.
 12. The optical fiber distribution rack ofclaim 1, wherein the array of adapters that are stacked within the trayof each optical fiber distribution element defines at least twelveadapters.
 13. An optical fiber distribution rack comprising: a pluralityof optical fiber distribution elements mounted in a stacked arrangementalong a column to the optical fiber distribution rack, each opticalfiber distribution element comprising: a chassis; a tray slidablymovable with respect to the chassis along a direction of movement, thetray defining a front end and a rear end; and a slide mechanism, whichconnects the movable tray to the chassis, wherein the slide mechanismincludes a radius limiter which moves with synchronized movementrelative to the chassis and the tray during slidable movement of thetray; wherein the tray includes at least one frame member that defines afront end and a rear end, the frame member including a frame memberhinge at the rear end of the frame member that is coupled to a trayhinge positioned at the rear end of the tray, wherein the frame memberhinge and the tray hinge are configured to, and cooperate to, allow theat least one frame member to pivot with respect to the tray about anaxis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable tray suchthat the at least one frame member can be pivotally lifted and a bottomof the at least one frame member can be accessed from the front end ofthe tray; wherein a cable entering or exiting the movable tray is routedaround the radius limiter.
 14. The optical fiber distribution rack ofclaim 13, wherein the tray of each optical fiber distribution elementincludes two frame members hingedly mounted for independent movement.15. The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 13, wherein at leastone of the optical fiber distribution elements further comprises a cablemount along a side of the chassis.
 16. The optical fiber distributionrack of claim 13, wherein at least one of the optical fiber distributionelements further comprises another non-movable cable radius limiteralong a side of the chassis.
 17. The optical fiber distribution rack ofclaim 13, wherein the radius limiter of the slide mechanism of at leastone of the optical fiber distribution elements includes a rotatableportion that is configured to rotate rearwardly for cable management.18. The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 13, wherein each framemember of the tray of each of the optical fiber distribution elementsdefines an array of adapters, each adapter defining ports for receivingconnectors to be interconnected through the adapter.
 19. The opticalfiber distribution rack of claim 18, wherein each array of adaptersdefines a line which is generally parallel to the direction of movementof the movable tray.
 20. he optical fiber distribution rack of claim 13,wherein the movable radius limiter defines a U-shaped configuration. 21.The optical fiber distribution rack of claim 13, wherein the cableentering or exiting the movable tray of each of the optical fiberdistribution elements follows an S-shaped pathway as the cable extendsfrom an exterior of the movable tray toward the movable radius limiterin a first direction, winds around the radius limiter in a seconddirection generally opposite the first direction, and is routed backwithin the at least one hingedly mounted frame member in a thirddirection generally opposite the second direction.
 22. The optical fiberdistribution rack of claim 21, wherein the S-shaped pathway includes anupper portion and a lower portion.
 23. The optical fiber distributionrack of claim 22, wherein the radius limiter of the slide mechanismdefines a divider for separating and guiding cables to and/or from theupper portion and the lower portion of the S-shaped pathway.